Latest news with #QuangDo
NDTV
2 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Ex-Google Employee Shares 11 Cultural Differences Between Singapore And Vietnam: "The Trust Paradox"
An ex-Google employee, Quang Do, who worked in Singapore for three years before moving to Saigon, Vietnam, shared insights on cultural and mindset differences between the two countries. In Singapore, the work culture demands precision, with an expectation of 100% accuracy, where even a single mistake can derail a project. At the same time, Vietnam prioritises speed, valuing quick results even if they're only 80% perfect. Trust in Singapore is rooted in systems and rules, with an assumption that strangers will adhere to them. In Vietnam, people rely more on personal relationships and caution due to a less predictable environment. "I'm Vietnamese. I spent 3 years at Google Singapore, visiting Vietnam monthly for work. Each trip revealed 2 radically different mindsets for life, work, and fulfilment. In late 2024, I moved to Saigon permanently. Here are the 11 biggest cultural differences I saw," Mr Do wrote. See the post here: I'm Vietnamese. I spent 3 years at Google Singapore, visiting Vietnam monthly for work. Each trip revealed 2 radically different mindsets for life, work, and fulfillment. Late 2024, I moved to Saigon 🇻🇳 permanently. Here are the 11 biggest cultural differences I saw: — Quang Do (@ovquang) August 12, 2025 In Singapore, prices and rules are set in stone, with no room for haggling, while Vietnam is a haven for negotiators, where almost everything is up for discussion. Vietnam's streets are buzzing with entrepreneurial spirit, as people start new ventures, sell goods, and create opportunities. Meanwhile, in Singapore, high salaries and job security can make people less inclined to take the leap and start their own business. The founder also observed that Singapore's sleek skyscrapers and multinational corporations can be overwhelming, making individuals feel like tiny cogs in a giant machine. Vietnam, on the other hand, exudes a sense of possibility and dynamism. Another striking difference is how the two countries approach planning: Singapore thinks decades ahead, while Vietnam is agile and adaptable, often responding to changes in a matter of weeks. The communication styles in Singapore and Vietnam are also worlds apart. Singaporeans prioritise directness and documentation, while Vietnamese communication is more flexible and adaptable. The two countries differ in their approach to culture as well. Singapore celebrates multiculturalism and blending, whereas Vietnam takes pride in preserving its cultural heritage. Mr Do believes that the key to success lies in being able to switch between these two distinct mindsets. According to the founder, understanding these differences is crucial for anyone working across both countries, enabling them to navigate the unique cultural and professional landscapes of Singapore and Vietnam.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
‘Precision vs speed': Ex-Google employee shares key mindset differences between Singapore and Vietnam
Moving between countries often means adapting to new ways of life. For one Vietnamese man who spent three years working at Google Singapore before moving permanently to Saigon in Vietnam, the differences in culture, work, and mindset were eye-opening. Quang Do, founder of Overseas Vietnamese, revealed 11 eye-opening cultural differences between Singapore and Vietnam.(Pexels/Representational Image) Quang Do, a Vietnamese founder, shared how moving from Google Singapore to Saigon revealed two contrasting worlds, one driven by precision and planning, the other by flexibility and relationships. He shared the post on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption, 'I spent 3 years at Google Singapore, visiting Vietnam monthly for work. Each trip revealed 2 radically different mindsets for life, work, and fulfillment.' The founder shared 11 key cultural differences he noticed between Singapore and Vietnam. Singapore vs Vietnam: Precision vs speed: According to him, in Singapore, everything must be done with perfect accuracy. A single typo or mistake can ruin a whole project. The system demands 100% precision. In Vietnam, things are different. People value getting things done quickly, even if it's only about 80% perfect. Trust and relationships: Singaporeans trust systems and rules. They believe strangers will follow the laws and agreements. In Vietnam, people start with caution and warn each other to be careful. Negotiation culture: In Singapore, prices and rules are fixed. There is no room for negotiation. Vietnam operates the opposite way; nearly everything is open for discussion and bargaining. Entrepreneurship and opportunity: Walking through Vietnam, it is clear that many people are hustling, starting new businesses, selling, and creating. In Singapore, the high salaries mean fewer people take risks to start their own business. Scale and possibility: Do said Singapore's tall buildings and global companies can make a person feel small and like a tiny part of a huge machine. Vietnam, by contrast, offers a sense of possibility. Other differences: The founder also noticed how Singapore plans decades in advance, while Vietnam adapts in weeks. Communication in Singapore is direct and documented; in Vietnam, it is flexible. While Singapore values multicultural blending, Vietnam treasures cultural roots. He explained that trying to live by Singapore's system in Vietnam or vice versa can be exhausting. The key is learning to switch between the two ways of thinking. Check out the post here: The founder also believes that understanding these differences is essential for anyone working between Singapore and Vietnam. Adapting to each mindset using precision when it is needed and flexibility when it works best is the key to building strong relationships and achieving success in both worlds.
